| Assess for danger/safety for self and others |
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Are there factors that can compromise your safety or the safety of others? 5 |
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| Consider the mechanism of injury |
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How did the event physically and perceptually impact upon the individual? 5 |
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| Evaluate the level of responsiveness |
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Is individual alert and responsive? Under the influence of a substance? 5 |
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| Address medical needs |
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For those who specifically trained to manage acute medical conditions. 5 |
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| Observe and Identify |
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Who has been exposed to the event and who is evidencing signs of traumatic stress? 5 |
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| Connect with the individual |
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Introduce yourself, state your title and/or position. Once medical evaluation is complete, move the individual away from the stressor. Begin to develop rapport. 5 |
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| Ground the individual |
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Discuss the facts of the situation and assure the individual of their safety. Allow the individual to “Tell their story.” Discuss behavioral and physiological responses. 5 |
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| Provide support |
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Be empathetic. Communicate a desire to understand the feelings that lie behind their words. 5 |
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| Normalize the response |
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Normalize, validate and educate… This is a “Normal person trying to cope with an abnormal event.” 5 |
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| Prepare for the future |
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Review the event, bring the person to the present, describe events in the future and provide referrals. 5 |
